The British round of the 2018 WorldSBK series at Donington Park is not only an important fixture for the likes of world champion Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki Racing Teammate Tom Skyes but also other home-grown stars like Pata Yamaha’s Alex Lowes.
The 27 year old has starred in his ‘blue’ tenure with two podiums and a Pole Position a few weeks ago at Assen as he works to get the manufacturer’s R1 project up to full competitiveness with the Kawasakis and Ducatis. He also has a Suzuka 8 hour success on his CV and a few eye-catching MotoGP wildcards.
Lowes also stands out as one of the protagonists of WorldSBK thanks to a distinctive helmet design and livery. Subtlety is not something the former British Superbike Champion embraces – the lively pink colour as part of a scheme on the Shark lid testifies to that – but he is not overly fussed about the appearance either.
“I used to have a nice design with some girls on the back but I don't think Corinne [his wife] appreciates that anymore!” #22 laughs. “I like pink, and I still go with it.”
There is a story behind the glow. “My Dad used to do some club races and he had his name in pink on the back of his leathers: I used to quite like that,” he says. “In 2011 I was part of a three-rider team in BSB and they wanted red, blue and a way to distinguish the riders because the kit was all the same. So I thought ‘you know what? I’ll have pink…none of the other lads really go for that’ It sorta stuck out.”
In a macho, adrenaline-fuelled world like motorcycle racing did the pink even invite some old-fashioned British ‘banter’? “Yeah, lots!” Lowes says “but I wore it with a bit of pride! It’s funny because my wife hates the colour and won’t wear anything pink. It’s too girly. So the fact that I have it is quite nice.”
“Overall the design is quite bold now, just in case we can do a replica in the future,” he adds. “I like it to stand out but it is nothing too serious. I’m not too fussed. I cannot see it when I’m on the bike!”
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